This post contains affiliate links and may earn commissions on recommended products. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Raspberry pie bars are an easy dessert that is perfect to whip up for any summer entertaining.

Every summer I have grand plans for amazing meals grilled outside, plenty of patio parties, and park picnics galore.

The reality, though, is my family hiding from the Texas heat and having meals that entirely subsist of fresh, juicy fruits.

We’re glad for our Costco membership in the summertime, because we can never resist bright boxes of strawberries and raspberries. We’re often guilty of downing full raspberry packs in one sitting.

How do you say no to fruit, though? I just try to buy as much as I can, to ensure I can also scratch my baking itch with those sweet jewels.

Fresh raspberry bars

Bar desserts are something I grew up with in the Midwest, but don’t see much down here outside of brownies. They make dessert portable, and so much easier to make when it comes to bringing something to the cookout or potluck.

Raspberries are my go-to fruit, so these fresh raspberry bars are often on rotation. While some raspberry bars I’ve come across use jam for the filling, I use fresh raspberries for the best flavor.

If you can’t get your hands on fresh raspberries, use frozen berries that have been thawed. Skip the mashing step, and mix them with the sugar just before pouring on to the crust.

Raspberry pie bar variations

These raspberry pie bars are very similar to my apple pie bars — in fact, the only change is the fruit filling. The base recipe is endlessly adaptable and so easy to work with.

Aside from apple and raspberry, I recommend trying these with fresh summer peaches. Cook them down as in the apple version, and toss in some fresh ginger while you’re at it!

Strawberries, blueberries, or cherries would also work well here. There really aren’t too many rules when it comes to bar desserts like this.

Freezing pie bars

Making these bars in advance, or have leftovers? You can easily freeze them to enjoy later.

After baking, let them cool completely, then lift the bars out on the parchment paper. Slice directly on the paper, taking care to not cut through it.

Slide the parchment paper and bars into a gallon-size freezer bag. If you need to freeze in multiple layers, add another piece of parchment on top to prevent sticking. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze.

Raspberry pie bars overhead with berries

To thaw, remove bars from the freezer and let rest at room temperature for a few hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. You can also warm single bars in a microwave.

Easy raspberry recipes

If you have more raspberries to use up, you’re in luck! Raspberries are actually quite the versatile little fruit.

Try my breakfast recipes for raspberry bran muffins or raspberry almond baked oatmeal. My friend Jamie has an amazing raspberry shrub recipe. Or go savory with raspberry chipotle chicken wings.

Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below!
It means so much when you enjoy my recipes, so let me know how it goes and leave a comment if you have any questions.